How to Check Your Air Con Filter

Regular maintenance is the key to getting more from your air conditioner. By having your air conditioner serviced once a year, you can prolong its life, improve efficiency and cut down on your power bills. In between your professional servicing appointments, it’s a good idea to check your air con filter. The filter cleans the air that passes through the system, removing dirt, dust and other contaminants, so it needs to be inspected and cleaned regularly. Checking your air con filter is a DIY-friendly project that anyone can tackle on their own. In this article we’ll cover how to check your air con filter and ensure everything is kept sparkling clean.

How to Tell If Your Air Con Filter Needs Cleaning

Filters are an important part of how air conditioners work. Even in the cleanest home, the air around us is filled with tiny particles of dust and dirt. If air conditioners didn’t have a filter, these particles would build up on the condenser and evaporator coil. As the dirt built up, these parts would work less and less efficiently, and they might even cause fan motors to burn out.

There are a few key signs that it’s time to clean your air conditioner’s filter:

1. Uneven airflow and temperatures. If your air conditioner doesn’t move as much air as it used to, or it doesn’t cool and heat very well, it could be due to clogged filters.
2. Strange noises. Blocked filters can cause your air conditioner to make strange noises as the fan motor becomes strained.
3. Musty smells. When a filter is blocked, one of the most obvious signs is a musty, dusty or mouldy smell coming from the air conditioner.

How to Clean Your Air Con Filter

Split system air conditioners are one of the most popular cooling systems in Brisbane. Your split system air con should come with an instruction manual that tells you how to access and remove the filter for cleaning.

Regardless of the make and model of your air conditioner, the filter cleaning process will follow the same basic steps:

1. Turn off your air conditioner.
2. Open the front cover of the split system unit – this may be screwed or clipped into place. If you’re unsure how it opens, check the instruction booklet or download the instructions from the manufacturer’s website.
3. Remove the filter from the air conditioning unit and take it outside for cleaning.
4. Vacuum any dust or dirt off the surface of the filter. This is where air is drawn into the system, so you can expect it to be fairly dusty.
5. Wash the filter with warm water and gentle soap to dislodge any dirt that’s set deep into the fibres. You can also clean cloth filters with a hose or showerhead.
6. After cleaning, rinse the filter one more time with fresh water.
7. Optionally, you can soak the filter in a 50/50 mixture of water and vinegar to sanitise the cloth.
8. After washing and soaking, allow the filter to dry in a warm spot with plenty of airflow, preferably out of direct sunlight.
9. Once dry, replace the air filter back into the air conditioner, close the access panel and run a test to make sure everything is working smoothly.

3. Run Your Air Conditioning

The cloth filters found in most split systems and ducted air conditioners are built well. With gentle cleaning and regular maintenance, they can last for years between replacements. The biggest sign that your filter needs to be replaced is when the element starts to look shaggy or begins to come away from the frame. To be effective, air filters need to be in good condition and firmly attached to the frame. If dusty air can leak through the filter or around the sides, it won’t be able to do its job.

If you notice that your air con filter is starting to look a little tired, get in touch with an air conditioning maintenance service. A technician will be able to source and supply a quality replacement filter that will keep your air conditioner in top condition.

Is It Time to Check Your Air Conditioner’s Filter? Contact Tehcnicool Today!

Regular maintenance is an important part of maintaining your air conditioner and keeping it running smoothly for longer. Checking and cleaning the filter should be done every few months to improve efficiency and the quality of air in your home. If it’s time to have your air filter cleaned or replaced, the friendly team at Technicool is happy to help! We provide installation, repair and maintenance services for all types of air conditioners throughout the Brisbane region. Contact us today if you’d like to arrange an appointment and have your air conditioning serviced!